the Obituary of Donald Lee Janssen

Donald Lee Janssen passed away Friday, July 12, 2024, at Fairchild Medical Center in Yreka, Calif. He had recently celebrated his 85th birthday. Don’s family thanks the staff at Fairchild for their thoughtful care in his last days. His family was able to say their goodbyes and he left this life surrounded by love.

Son of Philip (Babe) and Clara Janssen, and younger brother to Richard, Don was born in Wenatchee, Wash., and spent his early childhood growing up next door to the family business, a corner grocery store. His childhood there was blessed with extended family, and his memories were filled with good times, especially with his best friend and partner in mischief, his cousin Jerry Miller. For a few summers, Don’s parents operated Garland Springs Resort outside of Index, Wash. This gave Don and his brother the opportunity to roam the countryside and have adventures – when their chores were done. The next stop was Seattle, where Don was able to have a close relationship with his paternal grandparents, Reverend Wert and Augusta Janssen. It was in Seattle that his love of fishing took hold and he found every opportunity and fishing hole the area had to offer.